Scientific knowledge is traditionally divided into several groups depending on the breadth of application: this includes private scientific, universal and general scientific methods. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Historically, there are only two universal methods: metaphysical and dialectical. Moreover, the first began to be gradually replaced by the second, starting from about the middle of the XIX century.
The main general scientific methods have a wide range of applications, which is multidisciplinary. Thanks to such versatility, they are used in various fields of the scientific sphere of human life.
Private-scientific methods, in turn, are a special group, which includes research for any particular object or phenomenon. Nevertheless, they contain the features of both methods of studying and cognition of the surrounding world, which were considered earlier.
In turn, each of the presented categories has its own classification. For example, the general and scientific methods include theoretical and empirical, as well as a mixed level of knowledge.
The methods of cognition at the theoretical level are studies of the logical or rational component of the phenomenon. This will help to identify the relationships and patterns between the objects and, in addition, to identify the most important and significant aspects of each of them. Consequently, the results of such studies are laws, theories, axioms and hypotheses.
In turn, general scientific methods related to the empirical level of knowledge are studies applied directly to real objects that a person can perceive with the help of the senses. The data obtained are accumulated, and then go through the process of primary systematization. The result is charts, graphs, and tables.
Since the empirical and theoretical level have a close relationship, then in a separate group you can make general scientific methods, which in a given situation can be attributed to both the first and second. As an example, this group includes modeling. It allows you to recreate the psychological reality that would allow you to determine the behavior of the object in a particular situation (the influence of emotionally colored memories and stories on changes in the mood and condition of the subject).
Let us consider in more detail some of the most common general scientific methods.
Observation
Purposeful visual-sensual systematic study of objects and phenomena for the acquisition of skills and scientific knowledge of the outside world. It is characterized by three features: 1. regularity; 2. focus; 3. activity. Without the above characteristics, observation becomes passive contemplation.
Empirical Description
Recording and recording information about processes, objects and phenomena that were obtained during the observation process, using various means of artificial and natural language. However, certain requirements are imposed on this method of cognition, for example, objectivity, completeness of information, and their scientific content.
Experiment
It is a more complex form of observation, since it involves focused and active participation. In other words, this is a directed change in one variable and comprehensive monitoring of the effect it has exerted on other components of an object, phenomenon or process.
